OSHA Inspection: LIBERTY MECHANICAL INC.

Issued

Jun 17, 1996

Abate by

Jun 27, 1996

Penalty

Initial $375 · Current $250 Reduced

Issued

Jun 14, 1996

Abate by

Jun 24, 1996

Penalty

Initial $375 · Current $250 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from
recognized hazards that
were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to
employees in that employees
were exposed to: the hazard of having limbs or clothing caught in the
rotating parts of the pipe
threading machine:
On or about 05/30/96, Jobsite,
The Rigid 300 pipe threader used by the employees was not equipped with a
pressure activated
switch (foot pedal) which would shut the machine off automatically upon
release if the operator
was inadvertently caught in the rotating parts.
Abatement Note : Among other methods one feasible method to reduce this
hazard is to establish
and enforce safe operating procedures. Procedures such as those stipulated
in the American
National Standards for portable pipe threading machines (ANSI
B208-1-1982). Elements essential
to an acceptable safe operating procedure include at a minimum the
following:
(1) Installation of momentary contact device (foot pedal) to control the
power input to the
machine. This device would automatically stop the machine and its rotating
parts if the operators
foot was removed from the pedal.
(2) Provide training and education to the machine operators concerning all
appropriate
procedures for safe operation of this type of equipment.